How are We [ADDers] Different?

courtesy of Bob Seay

"ADDers are no easier to stereotype than any other group of 10 to 20 million people. Within the broad umbrella of behaviors and symptoms are varied degrees of severity, ranging from mild to chronic. We know that while all hyperactive people have ADD, not all ADDers are hyperactive, or at least not physically hyperactive (mental hyperactivity is certainly a possibility). Many times, there are other factors, such as obssesive-compulsive disorder or, more commonly, depression, which co-exist with the ADD." (from the Introduction)

Living with Attention Deficit Disorder

"I really wish they wouldn't call it that -- Attention Deficit Disorder. People think that those of us with ADD can't focus on anything. Actually, it couldn't be farther from the truth! We can focus. The problem is, we focus on everything! And because of that we have so much vying for our attention (that others usually can just tune out) we aren't able to focus on the one thing at hand."

Star Wars Guerilla Marketing

Some links related to the upcoming release of "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones"...

Uncle Sam wants you

"The government has teamed up with a Web site to spread the word about the many government jobs out there."

Changing your oil

"How often should you change the oil in your car? Clark [Howard] upset quite a few people in the oil change business when he told listeners to follow the manufacturer’s guide for their vehicle.

Lissom,Today's Word of the Day

courtesy of Dictionary.com

lissom, also lissome \LISS-uhm\, adjective:
1. Limber; supple; flexible.
2. Light and quick in action; nimble; agile; active.

Raphaelle Boitel moves with the lissom, contortionist
plastique of a snake-woman.
--Nadine Meisner, "Clowns real and imagined,"
[1]Independent, April 20, 2001

Her foot touches the plate and sets off the trap, but so
swift and lissome is she that her ankles evade the clash of
the serrated iron jaws as they spring together.
--John Bayley, [2]Iris and Her Friends

AACK!

This quote has further reminded me that I still need to file our city income tax returns, which are due tomorrow. I know I need to change this habit of procrastination, but I think I'll wait until later to do it.

Which Action Star Are You?

LA Riot - 10th Anniversary

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the riots in Los Angeles. I remember exactly where I was when I heard what was happening. I was in college working a part-time job in a research lab for the US EPA. I overheard the news on a janitor's radio. Here are some links worth browsing:

• Los Angeles Times coverage
• Hyungwon's L.A. Riot photos

Late Night Talk Show Jokes

Find out what Dave, Jay, Conan, and Craig are saying...

Visitors - Yay!

Thanks... to Tiara for signing our guestbook.

How I'm Doing

Today I haven't felt that well emotionally. I really can't put my finger on what is wrong; I just don't feel very happy right now. I'm probably in an ADHD funk. I had one last night before I went to bed. I feel a bit cynical about things going on at work - maybe that's it. I have been a bit more focused today, but I still have trouble quieting my mind down.

One thing I've noticed lately is the songs going through my head. Songs I've listened to years ago, out of nowhere suddenly appear in my head. This week I've had The Essential Cheap Trick, The Very Best of... Sting & the Police, some big band jazz, The Best of New Order, The Joshua Tree, and others. Maybe that comes from listening to a lot of music often.

Oh well. Time to call it a day here at work.

Clark Howard - Sample Letters

Are you having problems with getting help from a company whose goods or services you have bought? Is a collection agency harrassing you about a debt? Have you ever wanted to get your name off company advertising mailing lists? Having no luck getting your landlord or management company to fix something in your home?

Well... Clark Howard has some sample letters you can use.

Hearing set on Brown’s ad claims

State panel finds probable cause of violation

"COLUMBUS | A three-member panel of the Ohio Elections Commission on Wednesday found probable cause that Republican congressional candidate Roy Brown made false statements in an attack ad against opponent Mike Turner."

This guy seems to be out of touch with reality...more>>...

Brown uses Dayton just as GOP feared

Dayton Daily News Editorial

"Some things that congressional candidate Roy Brown says are mind-bogglingly at odds with reality. His amazing statements continue to draw attention, and, indeed, a fresh example is presented below. But his crass overarching strategy warrants attention, too."

I don't want this man to be my representive in Congress. I don't trust him at all. Read more>>...

Propitious

Propitious - courtesy of Dictionary.com

propitious \pruh-PISH-uhs\, adjective:
1. Presenting favorable circumstances or conditions.
2. Favorably inclined; gracious; benevolent.

At night when everyone has gone to bed is propitious for getting work done.
more Word of the Day>>

Better Blog Layout Now

OK. I'm jazzed. I finally got rid of that awful layout that was previously with this journal. I am very happy with this new layout... Now, I just need to get the others set up right... some other time. I'm late for bed.

US Surname Distribution

You can enter your last name here and see how it has been distributed across the country over time. Thanks to guava for the link.

A Better TV Show to Watch

I thoroughly agree with Eliot Gelwan's comments about "The X-Files". I used to really be into watching the show, but the last few seasons have had much to desire. I prefer to watch "Alias" instead.

GPS (Gullible Person Seeker)

This past weekend two other couples, along with me and my wife, did a road trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Cincinnati, Ohio. More on the purpose of the trip later. The three of us guys do some type of computer programming for a living, and we brought our laptops with us - just in case (No, we left our pocket protectors at home.). Well, there was more to it than that. Mike had brought his GPS so that we wouldn't have to stop and ask for directions (Ladies, you know how hard that is for us men.). Seriously. He had this map software that worked with the GPS (most commonly known as "Global Positioning System"). The availability of this device most certainly prevented us from getting lost.

US Children Getting Majority Of Antibiotics From McDonald's Meat

courtesy of "The Onion" @ http://www.theonion.com/onion3814/us_children_getting.html

WASHINGTON, DC—According to a Department of Health and Human Services report released Monday, McDonald's meat from antibiotics-injected livestock is now the primary source of antibiotics for U.S. children, particularly for uninsured youths from low-income households... more>>

Cellphones from Hell

OK, maybe that is an exaggeration. That's just how I felt for a little while on the way home from work.

To save money, we recently switched cell phone providers. We've had the new service for about a month so far, and I still haven't figured out what's going on with the phone. It's rather weird in that the calls keep going to voicemail, which I have no idea how to access. While using the hands-free unit, I got a phone call from home, and I couldn't hear my wife's voice. She heard me, though. Frustrated. About ready to throw the phone against the windshield (I was driving).

I'm glad I didn't.

Well, then again, maybe not.

I'm going to be posting a lot today, I think.

Which annoying B-list celebrity are you?

I had to try this one out. Thanks to Mike Zellers for the idea.


Which annoying B-list celebrity are you?

Focus - Today's Real Word of the Day

Real Word of the Day - from Dan, courtesy of Dictionary.com

OK. Today's real word of the day is... focus, meaning...

Close or narrow attention; concentration: “He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulnessthe tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians” (Anne Tyler).

Polyglot

Word of the Day - from Dictionary.com

polyglot \POL-ee-glot\, adjective:
1. Containing or made up of several languages.
2. Writing, speaking, or versed in many languages.

noun:
One who speaks several languages.

more Word of the Day>>

Life Without Clippy

by the Crabby Office Lady



"Since Clippy, that tinny Office Assistant, seems to be hiding in some of your computers, it's up to me to guide you in your quest for help. Climb aboard Crabby's Help Wagon, keep your arms and legs inside, and hold on - you may even learn a thing or two. And please, don't feed the animals..."more>>

Congress Considers The Enron Act

Leave it to Congress to counter smoke-and-mirrors business practices with legislation that's just as cloudy... more>>

Ohio Senate approves final school prayer bill

The Ohio Senate has approved the final version of a bill that would allow but not require school districts to let students have a daily moment of silence to reflect, meditate or pray... more>>

Parenting with Humor

"Parents who use humor, rather than sarcasm, to resolve the inevitable conflicts that arise during their child's adolescent years may have children who are better able to regulate their own emotions during difficult situations, new study findings suggest..." more>>

You Say It's Your Birthday?

Well, yesterday I turned 32. Yep, I added yet another ring to my tree trunk. I don't notice the progression as the years go by. I mean, it's not like something happens, and "Boom!" I'm another year older.

The experience was great. On Sunday, my wife threw a party for me and a woman whose birthday happens to be today, the 17th. We've never had so many people there at our place. It was awesome. Many of our friends shared encouraging things about us. I have some truly remarkable friends indeed.

Tonight we're going out to dinner to a place where the servers will come and sing "Happy Birthday" to us. I know it sounds cheesy, but I rather like this time.

Are Bloggers Journalists?

Click here to find out.

from "Are Bloggers Journalists? - On the rise of Amateur Journalism and the need for a Blogging Code of Ethics" - Microcontent News, a Corante.com Microblog

Perfunctory

Word of the Day

perfunctory \pur-FUNGK-tuh-ree\, adjective:
1. Done merely to carry out a duty; performed mechanically or routinely.
2. Lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

Knowing God's Word

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.

"If you are the Son of God," he said, 'throw yourself down from here. For it is written:

'He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'

Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

-- Luke 4:9-12 (NIV)

It is vital, if we are going to resist the temptation of the Satan, that we know God's word, found in the Bible. This passage is one of many that shows us why. Satan tempted Jesus, using Scripture! Jesus put the verse Satan quoted in context, replying with more Scripture.

So, we must be careful to know God's word in its full context and should not think that this will come by a casual, once-in-a-while, perusing of the Bible. NO! We must diligently study the Word (1 Tim. 4:16,
Acts 17:10-11).

Thank you.

FranklinCovey > Stress Assessment Quiz

Take this FranklinCovey > Stress Assessment Quiz to find out how stress is affecting your life.

In case you're wondering, I have a high level of stress and have not managed it well.

They're Dying

Forwarded from a friend via email, loosely based on U2’s "Sunday Bloody Sunday"

(1st Chorus)
They’re dying, we’re dying, both sides crying
And the end seems very near

Terror smiling, leaders lying, times are trying
And the answer isn’t clear

The TV news shows it all to us
A bloody face, an exploding bus

Orphaned children and no one cares
Pain and hatred are everywhere

Making enemies out of next door friends
How will we ever start over again?

Aren’t we lucky? The future’s arrived!
But I’m not betting that we’ll survive

(2nd Chorus)
Towers falling, how galling, wake-up calling
And they all ask you to give

Revelations, confrontation, “Battle Stations”
Now we don’t have long to live

We kill each other because we can
Not very fair but it’s our oldest plan

Day after day we’re stalked by death
From mother’s womb to our final breath

We take lives that are not ours to keep
Is there no conscience? How can we sleep?

The war draws closer, I hear the guns
The bombs exploding, the beating drums!

(3rd Chorus)
Time to decide, run and hide, or pick a side
‘Cause we’re headed for the end

We’ll all pay, in a big way, on judgement day
Better hope you find a friend

9-11 Weblog Posts

A Faith That Shines

This story is so inspiring!

Aces Online - Daily News

This Guy Should Be Writing for David Letterman!

NewsMuse

What's Goin' Down with Bloggin'?

This is a really cool article about what's going on in the Blogging community from Mr. Blogger himself, Evan Williams.

Which Calvin, Part 2?

Jennie took the Calvin test... funny that we're the same here, too.

You are Civilian Calvin! You don't get to travel much outside your neighborhood, but you still manage to get in plenty of trouble. When you're not acting up, you like to wax philosophical. Take the What Calvin are You? Quiz by contessina_2000@yahoo.com!

How Water Blasters Work

In case you ever wanted to know the scoop behind water blasters, here you go: Howstuffworks "How Water Blasters Work"

Words Women Use

I appreciate this much needed advice from a woman for men on how to communicate with women. I've heard it said that communication across both hemispheres for a woman is like a superhighway, whereas for us men it's more like a dirt path. As a result, we need all the help we can get!

FINE: This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use "Fine" to describe how a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it's an even trade.

NOTHING: This means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (with raised eyebrows): This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (normal eyebrows): This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care". You will get a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH: This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

SOFT SIGH: Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you retributions for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead". At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay".

THANKS: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say "You're Welcome."

THANKS A LOT: This is much different from "Thanks". A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh". Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh", as she will only tell you "Nothing".

Minimize Distractions

I am really enjoying the classical music I'm listening to right now. It provides the exact amount of noise to keep the distractions down.

Things to Keep in Mind

I am sooo glad I spotted this advice.

We Are The World, Part 2

My other friend GB replied to the first message:

What would have been worse is if he did not know how to write or read and he asked someone to write the lyrics for him and instead they wrote the lyrics to another 80's song. "Too Shy Shy" by Kajagoogoo (1983) now that would been embrassing!

Was some solider or war vet down on the other side of the street holding a sign with the words to "Voices That Care" that We are The World type of song that came out during the gulf war (1991).

We Are The World, Part 1

What weird acquaintences I have! I got this email from KM:

I was on my way into work this morning and saw a man on the street who looked to be homeless with a sign with the lyrics to "We Are The World!" I tried my best the rest of the way here not to laugh especially when people looked at me like I was a nut. I just thought it was so cheesy. Then I wondered if I was in Britain would I see a man with a sign with the lyrics to "Feed The World."

You are Civilian Calvin! - Blog Quiz

You are Civilian Calvin! You don't get to travel much outside your neighborhood, but you still manage to get in plenty of trouble. When you're not acting up, you like to wax philosophical. Take the What Calvin are You? Quiz by contessina_2000@yahoo.com!

Personal Ad in Newspaper

"SINGLE BLACK FEMALE... Seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a svelte good looking girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping, and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. Rub me the right way and watch me respond. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Kiss me and I'm yours. Call xxx-xxxx and ask for Daisy."

Callers found themselves talking to the local Humane Society about an eight-week-old black Lab!
******************************************************************************************************************

Stargazer Blue - Blog Review

I recently participated in the Peer-to-Peer Review Project, in which webloggers get to review one another’s weblog. Who knows? Perhaps someone will review this one…<

I enjoyed my recent visit to Stargazer Blue, the weblog by “Maggie” (her randomly-generated name). I am unsure when the weblog was begun, since I cannot yet access the archives. I would venture to say that this blog was created recently.

On this very personal site we learn a lot about her, since she has revealed a lot of detail about herself. For example, we get to read things happening in her life when she was 3-1/2, 10, and 16. From this information and other posts, we learn that “Maggie” is 18-19 years old and attending college somewhere in Virginia.

And then, there’s her favorites lists, where she lists items she has brand loyalty, people who are on her bad side (only three), TV shows, music, and so on. She is not afraid to share how she’s really feeling, whether it’s about her roommate or spring break or her family.

“Maggie” appears to enjoy her online presence very much, as evidenced by the link to her Harry Potter fanfic and her passion for listening to remixes of video game music. I have oftern wondered myself what the dance mix of the theme to "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" would sound like.

This blog would be somewhere I would like to return to in awhile, once the layout and navigation is completed. It appears that she plans to add more links and a webcam sometime in the future. I did follow some of the links that were included, however. I especially like the link to the "What Muppet Am I?" quiz (I'm Fozzie, by the way.).

Stargazer Blue provides the subjective, personal touch and refreshing perspective that we enjoy about weblogs. I definitely look forward to coming back.

Personal Air Conditioning - Another Creative Moment

The air was hot and humid around him. Everyone else was sweating, but he wasn't. He was born without sweat glands:

He did, however, have his own form of air conditioning. Some folks did not like it, unfortunately. His method was called breaking wind. It wouldn't usually be a problem when he was alone, but he always noticed the angry faces around him when he used his personal air conditionaing in a crowded elevator.

To his dismay, that is where he and several others were stuck. In a crowded elevator between the 7th and 8th floors. The air was getting rather sticky, and, just as sweating is involuntary, so was his personal air conditioner.

He was glad, for the others' sake, that his air conditioner didn't go off very often. You see, his built-in system provided him with adequate cooling, but it was not continuous, as sweating is.

A couple hours later, he finally let go, having let the pressure build up until the proper time. A loud sound, and then, screams of people gasping for air, could be heard in the elevator shaft. After a few minutes, he was the only one left standing; the rest were all unconscious from the noxious vapors.

What Muppet Is Jennie?

Jennie took the test, too.

	You are Fozzie! Wokka Wokka! You love to make lame jokes. Your sense of humor might be a bit off, but you're a great friend and can always be counted on..
Take the What Muppet Are You? Quiz!

Retribution - A Creative Moment

His side was hurting so bad that it felt like a knife had been thrust in it. He doubled over from the pain, falling on the floor. He knew that last bowl of ice cream was going to do him in, yet in his pride and arrogance he ate it anyway. Now he was paying for it. With no one around, his cries for help went unheard.

Minutes later, he awoke. Still on the floor, his side felt a little better, yet his head was throbbing. The only way, it seemed, to relieve the pain was to press on the affected areas as hard as he could. He would at times hit himself with his fists.